Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who receives news that his son, Daniel, has been killed on the Camino de Santiago, an 800-kilometre pilgrimage route also known as The Way of St. James. Tom goes to France to collect the body and decides to honour his son’s memory by completing the journey. Along the way, he leaves piles of Daniel’s ashes. Determined to complete this journey on his own, he shrugs off most offers of goodwill and pays little attention to the companions who join him.

The journey transforms Tom and his companions.  As one of the characters comments, “No one walks the Camino by accident.” At the start, each pilgrim has an agenda, but there is a profound shift of values along the way.

Described as a “hymn to travel and transformation,” this inspirational movie includes stunning vistas of the Franco-Spanish trail and a soundtrack featuring such artists as James Taylor, Alanis Morissette and Coldplay.

Memorable lines…

You don’t choose a life, you live one.

Walk the way for yourself.

Miracles happen on the Camino de Santiago.

Do we honour the poor by imitating them?

Interesting note: Emilio Estevez (Sheen’s son) wrote and directed The Way. He also appears briefly in the film as Daniel.